Parents have launched a campaign calling for a zebra crossing on a busy road near a primary school.

They say drivers don’t stick to the 20mph limit on Percy Park Road in Tynemouth, which currently has no school crossing patrol.

A petition has been started by Maurice Duffy, whose six-year-old son Ethan goes to Kings Priory Primary School, on Percy Park Road.

The 60-year-old head of Tynemouth consultancy firm Blackswan, said: “That is a very busy road. It has a 20mph speed limit but people don’t comply with it.

“There is also a high level of parking in the area and a number of road junctions. There are children and elderly people using that road 24/7 and I myself try to cross it everyday with my son.

“It’s very dangerous. There is no visibility and you have to go out onto the carriageway to see if any cars are coming.

“Last year the council employed a crossing patrol officer. This was not the solution to the problem as it did not last.

“A zebra crossing is the only viable and logical solution in a bid to safeguard children, the elderly and other road users.

“We started this campaign to get some control on the traffic. I also have a business in the area and I’ve witnessed a number of near misses.”

The group have started an online petition as well as a Facebook page titled ‘We want a zebra crossing’ where residents can post messages of support.

Mr Duffy added: “We already have more than 400 signatures of people who support us. We have put banners up in the area and have been out promoting our campaign.

“Our aim is to get at least 2,000 signatures before we hand the petition over to the council. We will keep going until the area is made safe.”

Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has thrown his support behind the campaign.

Mr Campbell said: “Parents are rightly concerned about the traffic on this busy road and there’s nothing more important than the safety of children. I’m backing the campaign for a crossing and would urge the council to listen to those concerns.”

A spokesman for the council said: “We recognise that there are concerns within the local community about the safety of children crossing Percy Park Road to access Kings Priory School.

“The current school crossing patrol officer point is vacant and we are continuing to try and recruit for this location. While these efforts will continue, we will be looking into what other road safety measures could be appropriate as part of a review of all our school crossing patrol sites across the borough.

“It is our intention to look at all sites that are currently vacant, with no pedestrian provision, and investigate options that could improve pedestrian safety around schools. This review will be progressed as quickly as possible.

“In the meantime, we would be grateful if any residents in the area who would be interested in becoming a school crossing patrol officer to get in touch with us. Please telephone 0191 643 6104 or visit www.capita.co.uk/careers and search for jobs in Tyne and Wear.”